Cruisers
2015Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
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The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is a lightweight cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Known for its low-slung stance, minimalist design, and nimble handling, it excels as an entry-level Harley or urban commuter. Its 250kg dry weight and responsive 1200cc engine make it ideal for both new and experienced riders valuing maneuverability and stripped-down aesthetic appeal.
- Capacity
- 1201.3 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 250.8 kg
- Seat height
- 660 mm
- Power
- 67.1 HP (48.9 kW) @ 6000 RPM
What’s new for the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
vs the 2014| Spec | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 74.1 HP (54.5 kW) | 67.1 HP (48.9 kW) @ 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM | 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM |
| Fuel capacity | 8.00 litres (2.11 US gallons) | 7.90 litres (2.09 US gallons) |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Dual-piston | Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single-piston | Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS. |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for short blasts, boulevard cruising, and style-focused riding rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A stripped-down, fat-tired custom cruiser that delivers punchy low-end torque, a thumping air-cooled V-twin soundtrack, and bold Dark Custom styling.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sport-bike agility, off-road capability, or a comfortable two-up long-distance tourer.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1201.3 ccm
- Power
- 67.1 HP (48.9 kW) @ 6000 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 114 CO2 g/km
- Torque
- 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2675 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 88.9 x 96.8 mm
- Compression
- 9.7:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Lubrication system
- Dry sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1519 mm
- Overall length
- 2250 mm
- Seat height
- 660 mm
- Dry weight
- 250.8 kg
- Wet weight
- 259.9 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 7.90 litres
- Ground clearance
- 99 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.60 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Twin shocks
- Rake (fork angle)
- 29.6°
- Trail
- 107 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 150/80-16
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-B16
Other
- Color options
- Hard Candy Big Red Flake, Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake, Vivid Black, Amber Whiskey, Charcoal Pearl
Specs last verified against published sources: .
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2018 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1202 cc |
| Dry weight | 251 kg | 251 kg | 247 kg | 247 kg | 247 kg |
| Seat height | 660 mm | 660 mm | 710 mm | 710 mm | 665 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 8 L | 7.9 L | 7.9 L | 7.9 L | 7.9 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a Capacity of 1201.3 ccm (73.31 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?
The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a Power of 67.1 HP (48.9 kW) @ 6000 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?
The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a Torque of 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM.
How much does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight weigh?
The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a Dry weight of 250.8 kg (552.9 pounds).
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